Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown

Overview

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm providing a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination, making it a visually appealing choice. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch brings a more understated approach, lacking any specific standout features but still offering a tactile typing experience. While the Blue Lotus is more 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Snappy', and 'Stepped', the Dustproof Brown falls into a more neutral category. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. While the Blue Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, the Dustproof Brown opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The PC & UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus gives it a premium and unique feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Both materials have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of switching experience.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Dustproof Brown switches feature a nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound. This characteristic makes typing on switches with nylon housing more satisfying and quieter compared to switches with harder plastic housings. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.

While the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches may have different top housing materials, they both offer a unique sound profile and typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials allows for a well-rounded switch that caters to various preferences. Whether you prefer a switch with a premium feel and clear sound profile or one that elicits a deeper and fuller sound, both switches provide options for users looking for a high-quality typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetic.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch both fall within the medium-heavy range. The Blue Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Dustproof Brown's 45 grams, while both have the same bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires a bit more force to initiate a keystroke, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience than the Dustproof Brown. However, both switches offer a similar bottom out force, ensuring that the typing experience will feel consistent once the keys are fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, the Blue Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Dustproof Brown. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a slightly shallower key press, the Blue Lotus would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the choice between them would depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users who enjoy a lower frequency range akin to bass tones. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by an accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy, offering a responsive typing experience due to its design with longer or dual-staged springs. The Blue Lotus switch also features a stepped tactile feel, giving users a sensation of two distinct stages in the keystroke process. Conversely, the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is unspecified, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in this regard.

Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its combination of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize performance and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboard setup. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks specific information regarding its sound and feel characteristics, making it challenging to assess its subjective qualities. For users seeking a tactile switch with a distinctive tactile feel, responsive feedback, and captivating visual appeal, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is a recommended option. However, if the qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch align with personal preferences, it may also be a suitable choice for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard community.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, you should choose the Blue Lotus if you value a blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, along with a striking visual appeal thanks to its detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. The Blue Lotus offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and is described as having a bassy sound profile and featuring an accented, snappy, and stepped feel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with dustproof features, the Outemu Dustproof Brown may be more suitable for you, as it offers a similar bottom out force of 65 grams. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your preference for tactile feel, sound profile, and additional features such as RGB illumination or dustproofing.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more